Sanjid Hossain is 28 years old and has been diagnosed with intellectual disability; he is a strong self-advocate and is an active member of the Self-Advocay Group supported by the SEID since 2008.
Sanjid raises his voice not only for him but also for the rights of persons with NDDs. Sanjid works as an office assistant in the Urban Social Service Office (UCD-6) in Mohammadpur, Dhaka. Sanjid receives job coach support from SEID under customized employment. Sanjid recently married one of his peers, who is also a very strong Self-Advocate. Sanjid lives with his family at Mohammadpur Market Camp, Dhaka.
SEID found Sanjid through a survey and enrolled him in SEID's Community Therapy School in 2005. During that time, Sanjid could not do the necessary tasks of his daily life. After enrolling here, he received services from SEID, such as Special and PrePrimary Education, Educational Materials, Medical and cultural activities, Vocational Training, Physiotherapy, Nutritional Support, etc.
As a result of taking the service, Sanjid's life changes drastically, and he can acquire life skills in addition to his daily life. In 2019, Sanjid joined the USAID EPD project implemented by SEID as a 'Project Assistant.' During that time, Sanjid contacted all the disabled persons at the local level and assisted the project officer with all the information and data. In 2020, he was enrolled in SEID's Customized Employment Program and started training in the Urban Social Service Office (UCD-6) in Mohammadpur, Dhaka, as an assistant. He still works in that office; however, it is not a permanent position as he does not have a minimum educational background. Sanjid enjoys his job and wants to keep his job the same at this time. All his coworkers, officials, and supervisors are satisfied with his work.
Sanjid receives in-house training, including Etiquettes Manner and SRHR, from the SEID under the Customized Employment Program. Sanjid has participated as a representative of the Self-advocacy Group in various national and international workshops, dialogues, and meetings. Also presented its views to employers on Section/Article-27 (Right to Employment) of CRPD and engagement of local public representatives on employment of persons with NDDs at the Inclusion Works funded employer workshops implemented by SEID in 2021 and in 2017 acted in one advocacy play titled 'My life My Decision' supported by DRF implemented by SEID.
Today, Sanjid's family members have changed their views on disability. Now, they are helping Sanjid to achieve his beautiful future and desired goals.